infantilize

American  

[in-fuhn-tl-ahyz, -tahy-lahyz, in-fan-tl-ahyz] / ˈɪn fən tlˌaɪz, -taɪˌlaɪz, ɪnˈfæn tlˌaɪz /

especially British, infantilise

verb (used with object)

infantilized, infantilizing

1. to keep in or reduce to an infantile state.

2. to treat or regard as infantile or immature.

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Other Word Forms

• infantilization noun

Etymology

Origin of infantilize

1940–45; infantile + -ize, or by back formation from infantilization

Example Sentences

Public policy shouldn’t infantilize people simply because minors might misuse a product.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Burnett never insists that they’re the sane ones, nor does he infantilize Fish and Poinsettia’s afflictions.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

We are seeing adult women who aggressively reject society's efforts to infantilize them.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2024

“It could infantilize the patient or establish the paternalism of the doctor,” she said.

From New York Times • Oct. 13, 2022

You’ve noted that they also single her out, “constantly make her feel different from everyone,” and infantilize her.

From Slate • Jan. 6, 2021